Apparatus for retaining cleaning supplies

ABSTRACT

Movable and fixed, wall-mounted support apparatus for holding cleaning supplies used to clean an/or disinfect fitness equipment. Each support apparatus may include one or more individual recessed support surfaces for supporting and removably mounting containers holding cleaning liquid, such as spray bottles, and at least one towel holder. Additional cleaning supplies may be stored in an interior compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to apparatus for holding cleaning supplies. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatus for holding devices and supplies, such as (e.g.) spray bottles and towels, for use in cleaning and/or disinfecting fitness, exercise or therapeutic (e.g., physical therapy and/or occupational therapy facilities and/or equipment) facilities or equipment, or for use in automotive cleaning applications (e.g., car wash and automotive detailing facilities), or other applications.

Facilities such as health clubs and fitness centers often employ personnel charged with cleaning and/or disinfecting fitness-related equipment, tanning booths, mats, therapeutic-related equipment, etc. Given clientele volume and staffing-related costs, many such health clubs and fitness centers request self-cleaning by customers of equipment used. Spray bottles with cleaning and/or disinfectant solution and/or towels are often provided in centrally-located common areas for this purpose, typically on shelves and/or towel racks. The location of such cleaning supplies may not always be convenient for customers located in different or remote locations throughout a health club or fitness center. Also, cleaning fluid may be located in one area, and towels in another, which may also be inconvenient as typically both will be used by a cleaning customer.

These problems are not limited to health clubs and similar facilities, as they occur in other environments such as automotive cleaning applications, theraperutic applications, etc., and the present invention may advantageously be used in such environments, as well.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide apparatus for conveniently holding such cleaning supplies, including movable apparatus for enhanced convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a support apparatus is provided for holding cleaning supplies used to clean and/or disinfect equipment. Such equipment may include fitness equipment, equipment used in physical or occupational therapy, automotive cleaning equipment, or other equipment where such support apparatus may be advantageously employed. In this embodiment, the support apparatus includes a storage closet for holding cleaning items, and two or more individual recessed support surfaces, such as circular trays, located on an upper portion of the storage closet for supporting and removably mounting containers holding cleaning liquid, such as spray bottles. Preferably, the recessed trays, which may also be located inside the storage closet, have a substantial depth sufficient to prevent inserted spray bottles from toppling during typical movement of the support apparatus. At least one towel holder, such as a towel bar, may also be included, may be attached to the storage closet, and may be located to circumnavigate a periphery of the support apparatus. The storage closet is preferably mobile, and may include caster wheels for this purpose.

In an alternative embodiment, a wall-mounted support apparatus is provided for holding cleaning supplies used to clean and/or disinfect equipment. The support apparatus of this embodiment may include at least one recessed support surface for supporting and removably mounting a container holding cleaning liquid, and at least one towel holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and attendant advantages thereof, can be better understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top and side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top and side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged parts view of the rear of FIG. 2, detailing an example of how this support apparatus embodiment may be mounted to a wall surface;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top and side perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged parts view of the rear of FIG. 4, detailing an example of how this support apparatus embodiment may be mounted to a wall surface.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

DEFINITION OF CLAIM TERMS

The following terms are used in the claims of the patent as filed and are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.

“Automotive cleaning applications” means applications involving vehicle washing or vehicle detailing.

“Fitness equipment” means equipments for personal fitness including, but not limited to, exercise machines, tanning salon equipment, or other machines, equipment, surfaces or things that may be found in a health club or fitness center (e.g., exercise balls, exercise mats, etc.).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to these preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the support apparatus of the present invention is designated generally by reference numeral 10. Support apparatus or closet 10 is moveable, and is designed to hold cleaning equipment such as spray bottles 12 and towels which may be draped over towel holder 15. Support apparatus 10 may be rolled on caster wheels 17. A compartment with walls 19 may be provided for storing additional fitness cleaning items, such as additional spray bottles of cleaning fluid and/or additional towels or other items (e.g., cleaning fluid, etc.). The storage compartment may be accessible using slideable or hingeable door 22, for example, having handle 23.

Recessed support areas or support cups 25 having circumferential walls 25 a and a circular base 25 b may be built into cart top 27 to store spray bottles 12. In this manner, during movement of support apparatus or cart 10, spray bottles 12 will remain in position on the cart and will not topple.

Towel rail 15 may be attached to compartment walls 19 by any convenient means, such as threaded fasteners or adhesives. For this purpose, towel support bars 26 may be provided, which attach an upper portion of compartment walls 19 to towel bar 15.

FIGS. 2-3 (single cup) and 4-5 (double cup) illustrate alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention, which are fixed in place and may be attached to a surface such as a wall. Referring first to FIGS. 2-3, an alternative support apparatus 20 is shown, which includes a single support cup 25 and a towel bar 15. In this embodiment, upper 31 and curvilinear side 32 surfaces form the support apparatus 20. Referring to FIG. 3, support apparatus 20 includes a rear planar surface 33 which may be provided with pins or fasteners. Pins or fasteners 37 may slide into communicating and fixed relationship with apertures 39 of wall-mounted bracket 40, as shown, to maintain support apparatus 20 in fixed position on a wall or other surface. Bracket 40 may be wall-mounted using, e.g., fasteners 36. Of course, other convenient fastening means such as adhesives or Velcro® may also be employed.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, support apparatus 30 is shown, which is similar to support apparatus 20 except that it can accommodate two spray bottles using two support cups 25.

It is currently preferred that the support apparatus of the present invention be fabricated out of inexpensive materials. For example, support apparatus 10, 20, 30 may be made of injection-molded plastic. Towel bar 15 may be inexpensively fabricated from plastic or from chrome-plated metal.

All dimensions given here are exemplary only, to assist the public in making and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the claims presented below. As examples, referring back to FIG. 1, each separate compartment wall 19 forms a trapezoid which may have base lengths of 14.5 and 11.5 inches, respectively, and a height of 23 inches. Door 22 may have a height of 13 inches and a width of 10 inches. Support cups 25 may have a diameter of 3.75 inches and a height of about 2.5-4 inches. Referring back to FIG. 2, the wall-adjacent height of support apparatus 20 may be 10 inches, and its width may be 8 inches. Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary height of support apparatus 30 is 10 inches and an exemplary width is 14 inches.

Of course, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that an infinite variety of alternative embodiments of the support apparatus of the present invention may be provided, consistent with the principles of the present invention (e.g., moveable support closets or carts 10 with differential towel bar configurations, towel bars that are located at the base of the cart, vertical towel bars, alternative numbers of support cups, alternative supports for spray bottles such as metal clasps or other attachment mechanisms, etc.).

The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be, or will become, apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the foregoing drawings, written description and claims, and persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of other designs still falling within the scope of the following claims may be envisioned and used. It is contemplated that these or other future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. 

1. A support apparatus for holding cleaning supplies used to clean and/or disinfect equipment, comprising: a storage closet for holding cleaning items; two or more individual recessed support surfaces located on an upper portion of the storage closet for supporting and removably mounting containers holding cleaning liquid; and at least one towel holder attached to the storage closet.
 2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage closet is mobile.
 3. The support apparatus of claim 2, further comprising wheels located on a lower portion of the storage closet.
 4. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the individual recessed support surfaces comprise circular trays having a substantial depth sufficient to prevent inserted spray bottles from toppling during typical movement of the support apparatus.
 5. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage closet includes two or more recessed support surfaces for supporting and removably mounting a container holding cleaning liquid.
 6. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the towel holder comprises a towel bar.
 7. The support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the towel bar circumnavigates a periphery of the support apparatus.
 8. The support apparatus of claim 7, wherein the support apparatus has upper and lower ends, and wherein the towel bar is located adjacent the upper end.
 9. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage closet further comprises a door.
 10. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the containers comprise spray bottles.
 11. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the equipment comprises fitness equipment.
 12. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the equipment comprises equipment useable in physical therapy or occupational therapy.
 13. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the equipment comprises equipment useable in automotive cleaning applications.
 14. A wall-mounted support apparatus for holding cleaning supplies used to clean and/or disinfect equipment, comprising: at least one recessed support surface for supporting and removably mounting a container holding cleaning liquid; and at least one towel holder. 